Delta Governor, Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, has barred Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members, especially political appointees, to refrain from constituting consultation groups ahead of 2023 general elections.
He cautioned that such early consultations were capable of causing distraction in governance and polarisation among State Executive Council members.
The governor’s admonition was contained in a statement by the Senior Political Adviser to the Governor, Chief Funkekeme Solomon, on Monday in Asaba.
The statement said that such early politicking was hasty, premature and capable of undermining the unity of purpose of the Okowa administration.
It recalled that the governor had earlier cautioned members of government to exercise restraint in pursuing matters concerning 2023 now, but observed that some top government officials, particularly State Executive Council members, had continued to disregard the directive.
According to the statement, the government officials have been found accompanying their colleagues – top and contemporary – on the consultations in furtherance of their 2023 political ambitions.
It said that such actions no doubt, was a distraction and was totally unacceptable as it was dividing members of the executive council.
It stressed that the governor had directed that members of government were forbidden from accompanying anyone with political ambitions for any consultations forthwith as punitive measures await anyone who defied the directive.
“Sequel to my earlier Press Release on Political Activities ahead of 2023 – A Call for Caution – wherein it was clearly noticed that barely nine months into the second term of this administration that:
“Some members in position of responsibility in this administration have begun consultations on their political ambition for 2023 general elections.
“Such early politicking is hasty, premature and is capable of undermining the unity of purpose of this administration.
“Following from the above, His Excellency, Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, has cautioned members of government to exercise restraint.
“Consequently, the Governor has prohibited forthwith, senior officials of government from accompanying anyone with political ambition on any consultations till further notice.
“It is to be re-emphasized that appropriate sanctions await anyone that flouts this directive.”